10. Management Summary

Summary of good management practices for preventing BRD (Cow-calf
and feedlot)

Before shipping calves from the cow-calf operation (or other source
of cattle) to the feedlot:

Feed a well balanced ration, including correct proportions of
vitamins and minerals, and insure that calves are eating from a bunk
and drinking water from a trough at least 30 days before shipping

Wean calves at least 30 days before shipping

Castrate and dehorn calves at least 30 days before
shipping

Prophylactically treat calves for internal and external parasites
at least 14 days before shipping

Transportation:

Minimize transportation time from cow-calf operation (or other
source of cattle) to feedlot

Make sure shippers provide adequte rest periods for the cattle
during shipping with access to water and food

Discourage use of hot shot or electric prod, yelling and agressive
handling

Biosecurity:

Keep cattle in groups based on their herd of origin

Do not introduce new animals into the group if possible

Newly arrived cattle should be isolated as much as possible for 2-3
weeks upon arrival

At feedlot:

Slowly introduce cattle to high-energy rations and make sure
vitamins and minerals are adequat

Make sure newly arrived cattle have feed and fresh, clean
water close by

Don't overcrowd cattle

Control dust and mud

Make sure facilities are well ventilated

"What about
vaccinations? I give vaccinations as soon as the
calves arrive at the feedlot."

Unfortunately, vaccination for BRD upon
arrival at the feedlot is not the best answer. Vaccines do
not result in immediate protection. It can take several days,
even weeks for the immune system to develop a protective
response against BRD pathogens. By the time cattle
respond to the vaccine given upon arrival at the
feedlot, they typically have already been stressed and
thereby put at high risk for developing BRD. Although vaccination at
arrival can have some benefit, optimal protection can best be achieved
by vaccinating at least 2 weeks before weaning - with a booster at
least 2 weeks before shipment to the feedlot. However,
vaccination upon arrival is still a good management procedure if
vaccine status is unknown."

Summary:

Investing in the prevention of BRD is important because much of the
animal's productivity has already been lost once the clinical signs of
BRD appear. Preconditioning cattle before their arrival at the
feedlot and observing cattle frequently for signs of BRD are management
procedures that can help reduce BRD. Additionally, reducing stress
during transport, using biosecurity measures to prevent transmission of
pathogens, and providing a clean, comfortable environment can all help
in reducing stress while in the feedlot. When treatment is necessary,
utilizing appropriate protocols regarding which cattle to treat and
what therapies to use also aid in the management of BRD. By
implementing these preventive measures, the need for and use of
antimicrobial agents
to treat BRD can be limited.